Cordylus nyikae
Encyclopedia
An isolated population of the Rhodesian Girdled Lizard
(Cordylus rhodesianus) from granite outcrops in montane
grassland
of northern Malawi
was recently redescribed as Cordylus nyikae. Unlike the Rhodesian Girdled Lizard, the head shields are very rugose, the nostril is pierced in the lower posterior corner of the nasal scale, and the dorsals do not have a serrated posterior margin. The dorsal coloration is dark brown to gray-brown with lighter spots. The tail and upper lips are light brown. The belly is buff.
“Zimbabwe Girdled Lizards” are exported from Mozambique
for the pet trade. Although they are often sold as C. rhodesianus, many individuals may actually be Cordylus nyikae. "Zimbabwe Girdled Lizards" remain skittish in captivity and require numerous hiding places constructed with stacked rocks.
Rhodesian girdled lizard
The Rhodesian girdled lizard is one of three species of very flattened girdled lizards from Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique. The other two species are Cordylus nyikae and Cordylus meculae. They are found living under stones in rock outcrops where they feed on small arthropods. Adults are 60-90...
(Cordylus rhodesianus) from granite outcrops in montane
Montane
In biogeography, montane is the highland area located below the subalpine zone. Montane regions generally have cooler temperatures and often have higher rainfall than the adjacent lowland regions, and are frequently home to distinct communities of plants and animals.The term "montane" means "of the...
grassland
Grassland
Grasslands are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants . However, sedge and rush families can also be found. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica...
of northern Malawi
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size...
was recently redescribed as Cordylus nyikae. Unlike the Rhodesian Girdled Lizard, the head shields are very rugose, the nostril is pierced in the lower posterior corner of the nasal scale, and the dorsals do not have a serrated posterior margin. The dorsal coloration is dark brown to gray-brown with lighter spots. The tail and upper lips are light brown. The belly is buff.
“Zimbabwe Girdled Lizards” are exported from Mozambique
Mozambique
Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique , is a country in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest...
for the pet trade. Although they are often sold as C. rhodesianus, many individuals may actually be Cordylus nyikae. "Zimbabwe Girdled Lizards" remain skittish in captivity and require numerous hiding places constructed with stacked rocks.